-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities in some Afghan prisons are torturing detainees into confessions , using methods that meet the international definition of torture , according to a new U.N. report .

The practices documented `` are among the most serious human rights violations under international law , are crimes under Afghan law and are strictly prohibited under both Afghan and international law , '' the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan -LRB- UNAMA -RRB- says in the report .

`` Detainees described experiencing torture in the form of suspension -LRB- being hung by the wrists from chains or other devices attached to the wall , ceiling , iron bars or other fixtures for lengthy periods -RRB- and beatings , especially with rubber hoses , electric cables or wires or wooden sticks and most frequently on the soles of the feet . Electric shock , twisting and wrenching of detainees ' genitals , stress positions including forced standing , removal of toenails and threatened sexual abuse were among other forms of torture that detainees reported .

`` Routine blindfolding and hooding and denial of access to medical care in some facilities were also reported . UNAMA documented one death in government custody due to torture in April 2011 , the report says .

The report contains quotes from various prisoners , not identified by name , describing their experiences in detail .

The report comes from interviews with 379 pre-trial detainees and convicted prisoners at facilities operated by different branches of the Afghan government between October 2010 and August 2011 .

The Afghanistan government responded that the report `` is to some extent not close to reality '' and `` not entirely in compliance with the facts . ''

`` Torture methods such as electric shock , threat of rape , twisting of sexual organs etc. are methods that are absolutely non-existent in the NDS -LRB- National Directorate of Security -RRB- , '' the government said .

But the government added that the report may help draw attention to needed improvements .

`` Despite their cruel and barbaric acts , '' terrorists are being treated `` humanely and in accordance with the law , '' the Afghan government said , in a response included in the UNAMA report . `` Beginning from their arrest and investigation to the final verdict of the court they are treated in accordance with the Islamic and humanitarian norms . ''

UNAMA said officials with Afghanistan 's National Directorate of Security `` systematically tortured detainees in a number of detention facilities across Afghanistan . Torture does not appear to have been practiced systematically in each NDS facility UNAMA observed . ''

`` UNAMA 's detention observation report found compelling evidence that 125 detainees -LRB- 46 % -RRB- of the 273 detainees interviewed who had been in NDS detention experienced interrogation techniques at the hands of NDS officials that constituted torture , '' the report said . Nearly all the detained reported that the abuse was during interrogations and aimed at obtaining a confession or information . `` In almost every case , NDS officials stopped the use of torture once detainees confessed to the crime of which they were accused or provided the requested information . ''

Torture was used on some children under 18 , the report said .

UNAMA recommended that the NDS and the police take immediate steps to prevent torture and allow regular , unhindered access for independent monitors . The report also called on the government and the supreme court to take action .

Countries with troops in Afghanistan should suspended transfer of detainees to facilities `` where credible allegations or reports of torture and ill treatment have been made pending a full assessment , '' the report said .

Canada and the United Kingdom ceased transfers of detainees to facilities in Kandahar and Kabul at various times based on reports of torture and ill treatment , the report said . And in July of this year , the United States and NATO 'S International Security Assistance Force stopped transferring detainees to authorities in certain areas based on reports of consistent torture and mistreatment , the report said .

UNAMA took steps to ensure that the information it collected was credible , the report said . It `` rigorously analyzed patterns of allegations in the aggregate and at specific facilities which permitted conclusions to be drawn about abusive practices ... and suggested fabricated accounts were uncommon . ''

`` The nationwide pattern of allegations is inconsistent with a substantial proportion of detainees interviewed having been trained before their detention in what lies to tell about their treatment if detained . ''

In its response , the government said it `` is committed to observe the whole enforced laws of the country ; international human rights treaties ; the Convention against Torture and approved articles and put to use all its efforts towards their realizations . ''

It added , `` Maybe there are deficiencies with a country stricken by war and a wave of suicide attacks and other terroristic crimes , we do not claim perfection and that we are doing things 100 % in accordance with how things should be . Some of these deficiencies , however , are due to a lack of experience within our staff and their lack of access to proving equipments and facilities and in part due to isolated incidents of individual violations . We are happy that this report also testifies in a part that torture did not take place in a systematic manner in all NDS headquarters . ''

It also noted that organizers of attacks use children in their plots , and that `` most of the anti-government elements do not hold ID cards which makes it challenging for NDS to identify underage individuals ... Once it is confirmed that the arrested person is underage , NDS immediately transfers him/her either to the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre or Juvenile Prosecution Office to investigate the case . ''

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NEW : Such practices are `` absolutely non-existent '' in the National Directorate of Security , the government says

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NEW : Children under age 18 were tortured , the U.N. report says

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Practices include suspension , beatings , electric shock , and twisting of genitals , the U.N. report says